Bowie Dead At 69

“David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer,”

the statement read. “While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief.”

One of the most original and singular voices in rock & roll for nearly five decades, Bowie championed mystery, rebellion and curiosity in his music. Ever unpredictable, the mercurial artist and fashion icon wore many guises throughout his life. Beginning life as a dissident folk-rock spaceman, he would become an androgynous, orange-haired, glam-rock alien (Ziggy Stardust), a well-dressed, blue-eyed funk maestro (the Thin White Duke), a drug-loving art rocker (the Berlin albums), a new-wave hit-maker, a hard rocker, a techno enthusiast and a jazz impressionist. His flair for theatricality won him a legion of fans.

In 2013, Bowie put out his first album in a decade, The Next Day, which went to Number One on the U.K. chart and Number Two in the States. He had recorded the LP in secret and announced its existence on his birthday that year.

Tributes to the late pop star rolled in from the general public, with many celebrities, musicians, friends and collaborators spoke fond words of him.

Sir Paul McCartney said he would “always remember the great laughs” the pair shared, saying in a statement: “David was a great star and I treasure the moments we had together.

“His music played a very strong part in British musical history and I’m proud to think of the huge influence he has had on people all around the world.”

The rolling stones paid tribute to “an extraordinary artist” and a “true original”.

Brian May, guitarist with Queen – with whom Bowie collaborated on Under Pressure – said: “He was a fearsome talent, and the loss to music and culture from his passing is inestimable.”

Friend and collaborator Iggy Pop wrote on twitter: “David’s friendship was the light of my life. I never met such a brilliant person. He was the best there is.”

Madonna said she was “devastated” and that Bowie had “changed her life”. She wrote on twitter: “Talented . Unique. Genius. Game Changer. The Man who Fell to Earth. Your Spirit Lives on Forever!”

Rapper Kayne: “David Bowie was one of my most important inspirations, so fearless, so creative, he gave us magic for a lifetime.”